Hi Everyone

Although there is substantial media coverage of proposed changes to the “Gas and Dash” regulation, I wanted to ensure that everyone was aware that there are a number of other changes being proposed to the regulations.

Below is a list of the changes, some of which may affect members of the IUOE Local Unions. There are public hearings being held and an opportunity for written submissions.

Further information may be found at this web link: http://www.worksafebc.com/regulation_and_policy/public_hearings/2011PublicHearing/law_40_20.asp

1.   Part 4, General Conditions – relating to a third option to protect workers assigned to work alone in a late night retail premises. This third option is proposed because some employers have found it impracticable to install barriers to separate workers from the public or alternatively employ two workers on shift during late night hours;
2. Parts 6, Substance Specific Requirements; and consequential amendments to Part 20, Construction, Excavation and Demolition – relating to updating asbestos requirements;
3. Parts 6, Substance Specific Requirements – relating to updating the reference to the Pesticide Control Act;
4. Part 9, Confined Spaces – relating to clarifying that atmospheric testing must be conducted by a qualified person;
5. Part 12, Tools, Machinery and Equipment – relating to safer driven-feed mobile chipper requirements;
6. Part 14, Cranes and Hoists – relating to updating the reference to the Elevating Devices Safety Act;
7. Part 15, Rigging – relating to clarifying the correct number of wire rope clips to be used in wire rope splices;
8. Part 16, Mobile Equipment – relating to the requirement for trailer units with a dump box to have a permanently affixed mechanical device capable of supporting the empty box in the raised position;
9. Part 16, Mobile Equipment – relating to permitting a worker riding on a rear-mounted work platform to retrieve traffic cones when the vehicle is backing up;
10. Part 20, Construction, Excavation and Demolition – relating to new requirement that concrete pumps and placing booms meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z151-09;
11. Part 23, Oil and Gas -relating to updating the reference to the Power Engineers and Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act;
12. Part 28, Agriculture – relating to the requirement for rollover protective structures on agricultural tractors;
13. Removal from the OHSR of the requirements for “prior approval” or “prior permission”,
    before proceeding with certain types of work or using certain work arrangements. The sections identified for change by identifying specific requirements or referencing standards are as follows:
    • Part 5, Chemical Agents and Biological Agents, relating to extended work periods;
    • Part 14, Cranes and Hoists, relating to chimney hoists;
    • Part 19, Electrical Safety, relating to high voltage;
    • Part 21, Blasting Operations, relating to mobile drill rigs;
14. Removal from the OHSR of the requirements for “acceptable to the Board”,
    before proceeding with certain types of work or using certain work arrangements. The sections identified for change are in Part 6 and relate to:
    • the removal of asbestos debris and acceptance from the Board;
    • posting warning signs and acceptance from the Board;
    • monitors and alarms for equipment and machinery and acceptance from the Board.